Heart-shaped Inflammation: What do you know about pericarditis?

Like any surgery, dental procedures run a small risk of infection, which can settle in the pericardium: the thin, sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. Could you identify the symptoms of pericarditis -- and how much do you know about its treatments?

Start Quiz »

You scored

0 out of 20

Question 1 of 20

The pericardium is a membrane that surrounds which vital organ?

the brain

the heart

The pericardium is a thin, sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart.

the lungs

Question 2 of 20

Which of the following is the most common symptom of acute pericarditis?

excessive gas

persistent headaches

sharp chest pain

Sharp, persistent chest pain is a telltale sign that you might be suffering from acute pericarditis.

Question 3 of 20

How long does acute pericarditis typically last?

less than two weeks

Though there is no minimum timeframe for acute pericarditis, most cases are cured within 10 days.

less than a month

less than six months

Question 4 of 20

How many layers does the pericardium consist of?

one

two

The pericardium is made up of two layers, which contain a fluid that protects and lubricates the heart.

four

Question 5 of 20

Generally speaking, how long does chronic pericarditis last?

at least six months

Chronic (or recurrent) pericarditis typically lasts at least six months, but can continue to persist much longer.

more than two years

more than five years

Question 6 of 20

What is the term associated with dangerous levels of fluid in the pericardium?

pericardial flooding

pericardial gorging

pericardial effusion

Excessive fluid buildup in the pericardial envelope is known as pericardial effusion.

all of the above

Question 7 of 20

Which is the most common cause of pericarditis?

viral and bacterial infections

heart attack and kidney failure

unknown

Though all of the following are known causes for pericarditis, the majority of cases are never traced to a specific cause.

Question 8 of 20

Why has dental work been linked to pericarditis?

the risk of heart attack

the risk of infection

Like any surgery, dental procedures run a small risk of infection, which can settle in the pericardium.

the risk of adverse reaction to anesthesia

Question 9 of 20

What other dental issues can result in bacterial infection?

vigorous brushing

tooth loss

gum disease

all of the above

Any time the tissue surrounding the teeth bleeds, there is a risk of infection.

Question 10 of 20

Which of the following is the primary risk demographic for pericarditis?

men over the age of 60

women between the ages of 20 and 60

men between the ages of 20 and 50

The American Heart Association reports that men between the ages of 20 and 50 are the highest "at risk" group for pericarditis.

Question 11 of 20

In addition to chest pain, what other symptoms can be attributed to pericarditis?

muscle aches

swelling of extremities

low-grade fever

all of the above

Other symptoms of pericarditis can include muscle aches, swelling in your extremities, low-grade fever, exhaustion and coughing

Question 12 of 20

If you suspect your chest pain might be pericarditis, when should you contact your doctor?

immediately

Chest pain that lasts more than a day and doesn’t respond to heartburn medication should be addressed immediately.

between one and two weeks

after a couple of months

Question 13 of 20

Until fairly recently, dentists premedicated patients with heart murmurs to prevent which of the following ailments?

endocarditis

pericarditis

myocarditis

all of the above

The prevailing standard of care, until recently, was to premedicate all heart murmur patients to prevent any bacterial infection of the heart.

Question 14 of 20

What specific factor gave rise to re-evaluating the practice of premedicating all heart murmur patients before dental work?

increased healthcare costs

the rise of resistant bacterial strains

Recent research raised concerns that low-dose antibiotic treatments prior to dental procedures could actually aid the growth of resistant strains of bacteria.